By Zack Steele
If you’ve been reading my columns for a while, you know I like to step away from the world of health care from time to time and venture into other subjects.
The indictment of Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard was a black mark on us as Alabamians. I have no idea if the speaker did what he’s accused of doing. I have no idea if this is some political witch hunt to sully his name. The courts will figure all that out and hopefully soon.
I do know that in the wake of this mess, I’m so very pleased that we have some very good people going to Montgomery to represent us.
We have a unique and fortunate situation here in the Trussville area. We have three elected officials who are smart, independent thinkers who are above the fray right now in Montgomery.
And the fray right now is some kind of tangled mess. It’s not just a liberal-conservative fight. Sure, there is one. But the more amazing battle within is the Republican party itself. Hubbard has a stronghold on the House. He may have as strong a hold as any speaker in recent Alabama history. Now with his indictment, many are asking if his coalition will crumble. Will there be political retribution for what many consider to be unjust prosecution?
The political soap opera down there makes me appreciate even more the three guys that represent the Trussville area.
I have known Danny Garrett for about year. Many of you have known him longer. I have never met a more thoughtful or pragmatic person in politics. He’s a smart guy who takes time to make the right decision.
The same can be said for Shay Shelnutt, our new senator. I have no trouble saying that I was never a fan of the way Sen. Scott Beason conducted himself as a politician. I’m sure he’s a good guy, but he seemed to alienate large groups of his constituents with often poorly planned comments and legislation. I couldn’t imagine soon-to-be Sen. Shelnutt taking that approach. He’s as down to earth as they come.
I also have come to know and admire Sen. Slade Blackwell over the last few years. His independent approach is one of the things I most admire. And I hope he represents us for a long time.
So my advice this week, which has nothing to do with eyes or health care, is to engage these men when you see them. Talk to them about the issues that concern you. Tell them what you’re passionate about. I have, with all three of them, and I have been more impressed with each conversation.
I bet you will be, too.
Dr. Zack Steele is a 2003 graduate of the UAB School of Optometry. His practice, Trussville Vision Care, is located on Chalkville Road in downtown Trussville.